From venomous bites to venomous behavior: A second helping of the top EMS stories of 2025

In this end-of-year special, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson wrap 2025 with their trademark mix of humor, insight and zero sugarcoating. From venomous bites to venomous behavior, the Inside EMS duo continue counting down the top EMS stories that had the industry buzzing this year — and occasionally cringing.

As always, the guys don’t shy away from the tough stuff, but they make sure to end on a note of gratitude for the everyday EMS pros out there doing the job with compassion, competence and quiet heroism.

Quotable takeaways

• “Every day, EMS providers go out there, do their jobs and bring some kindness and some comfort to a really bad day for their patients. And I think we need to look forward to more of that in 2026.”

• “Sometimes we've done things that maybe we shouldn't have, because it isn't in our scope of protocols, but I think we make a difference. Where's the line?”

• “Most of the advantages of mechanical CPR are not advantages at all.”

The top EMS1 stories of 2025

• Representatives Glenn Thompson and John Mannion introduced the EMS Counts Act

• Social Security Fairness Act signed into law, boosting retirement benefits for first responders

• Kentucky EMTs face KBEMS hearing for administering antivenom after mamba bite

• Elkhart firefighter appeals loss of paramedic duties after nurse’s harassment complaint

• American Heart Association's 2025 CPR guidelines: Choking, opioids & survival chain

• Ill. city council makes $500 lift assist fee permanent

• Warren-Wentworth Ambulance shuts down after entire staff quits

• 'Shut the f**k up!': North Babylon Fire Chief Peter Alt on leave after video shows him cursing at patient

• Orange County fire chiefs demand removal of EMS director for halting blood transfusions, ketamine use

• Colo. paramedic charged with manslaughter after sedating, restraining man

• National EMS Advisory Council board members terminated

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